Test if a Network Port Is Open Using PowerShell

What this does
Test if a Network Port Is Open, This PowerShell command checks whether a specific network port is reachable on a remote device. It helps confirm if a service is accessible or being blocked by a firewall.

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When you’d use this

• An application cannot connect to a server
• You need to confirm a service is listening
• Firewall or network rules are suspected
• Before escalating a connectivity issue

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PowerShell command (copy and paste)

Test-NetConnection google.com -Port 443

Replace:

• google.com with the server or device name
• 443 with the port you want to test

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What the output means

• TcpTestSucceeded : True – the port is open and reachable
• TcpTestSucceeded : False – the port is blocked or unreachable

Other useful fields include:

• RemoteAddress – the resolved IP address
• PingSucceeded – whether the host responded to ping

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Testing the wrong port number
• Forgetting VPNs can change routing
• Assuming a failed test always means a firewall issue

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Efficiency tip (skip ping, test port only)

Test-NetConnection servername -Port 3389 -InformationLevel Quiet

This returns a simple True or False, ideal for quick checks or scripts.

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Why this improves efficiency

• Faster than installing third-party tools
• Built into Windows
• Clear, unambiguous results
• Ideal for remote troubleshooting

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Related PowerShell efficiency posts

• PowerShell Efficiency: The Fast Way to Manage Windows
• Flush DNS cache safely using PowerShell
• View IP and DNS information quickly using PowerShell